BY WESLEY P. HESTER

Sunday’s budget proposals will include restored funding for safety net programs, Del. S. Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, said Friday in a speech on the floor of the House of Delegates.

Specifically, Jones said the budget will restore funding for free clinics, community health centers and dental services provided by local health departments.

That was welcome news to House Democrats who objected strongly to the governor’s proposal to cut funding in those areas and applauded Jones’ announcement.  

“We listened to the concerns of the members of this body related to the funding for the health care safety net,” Jones said, not specifying the amount to be restored.

The budget amendments will also propose additional Medicaid funding to hospitals and nursing homes.

“It is only fair to expect that payments to these providers are adequate to ensure access to services and the delivery of quality care for low-income, vulnerable Virginians,” Jones said. “While we applaud the governor for restoring funding for nursing home capital improvements, we believe it is imperative to fund the reasonable cost of providing direct care to the elderly and disabled in these facilities”

Finally, Jones added that the budget proposals will include funding additional community-based waiver slots for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.